ANTI / 440 Productions: Fall/Winter Fashion Show Press Recap

All images provided by Richard Allen photographer/richartpics.com

All images provided by Richard Allen photographer/richartpics.com

Cue up, N.E.R.D. - Anti-Matter !!!!  

(Link provided because you should know by now there is a soundtrack to everything we write.)

2019, was fashion packed! And we mean PACKED. Not quite sure what’s in the air but Milwaukee has been moving into a very stylish direction, where fashion is definitely a part of the culture and in high demand along with our many other creative skill sets (i.e. music, art and “finessing”). With that being said the last event we covered showed us just how much “fashion” is lingering in the wings for 2020.

We were invited to the ANTI Clothing Co. / 440 Production Fall Winter Fashion Show held at No Studios (1037 West McKinley Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53205) on Dec. 27th, 2019. When we arrived the venue was packed! Some faces we knew, other faces were unfamiliar, and many of them looked young and new to the scene. Off the ramp, to the stage, and write down into the center of the room the runway was set. And of course, our seats were right at the front of the action, just like we like them. (Thanks DCole)

From casual branded wear to “thrifted” goods, slight glamour and urban stylings, there was a little something to meet the taste of many. The line up showed off looks from ANTI Clothing Co. , Brick Layers Club, Views (414), One of One ThriftD Apparel, Amor Corleone, Kaizn. World. Wide, and Trusted Kicks (Sorry if we missed anybody, next time send us an appearance list *wink wink*). 

We could go down a list of looks we liked or hated but that's not why we show up for fashion shows. To each is own and our flavor of the month could be high fashion today and garbage tomorrow. But the STYLING & TECHNIQUE honeyyyyyyyy, we will go there!

Though some of the brands mentioned appeared to be just T-SHIRT brands ( Yeaaaaaaa, we said it. Don’t be mad. It is what it is), there styling, however, was on point! The casual quirk, individual model persona highlighted through the clothes, brand culture flexed. . . a t-shirt never looked so good. 

Our favorite pieces: The two-piece combos from Amor Corleon, Reversible bomber jacket by Brick Layers Club, and the Views 414 Pre-Vision:1 Tee from the back!

Now for technique, MODELS slowwww dooowwnnnnn! We were eager to see the looks but couldn't capture the moment. Walk, give personality and then strike a pose. Hold it. Count to four, then repeat. It's the recipe to making a lasting impression on the runway. A few brands kept us engaged, Views 414, Kaizen. World. Wide and One of One gets an honorable mention for the quirk. #WeSeeYou . And AWWWWWW to Trusted Kicks for bringing out the kids!

All images provided by Richard Allen photographer/richartpics.com

All images provided by Richard Allen photographer/richartpics.com

We enjoyed our time at the ANTI / 440 Production Fall/ Winter Fashion Show and appreciate the holistic approach to putting on an event. Drinks at the bar, DJ, Mr. New York dropping that fire, Creative Host AWill, and performances by two CopyWrite Magazine featured music artist Von Alexander and Renz Young. It was the place to be and a great way to end our event coverage the year. We hope to see more dope collaborations like this in the future.

Keep working. Keep showing up. Keep that -ish local!

/Lexi for CW

CopyWrite 2019 Highlights !!!

What’s 2019 anthem? (Don’t even mention a Hot Girl Summer to us, because WE didn’t have one). But really, what’s the tune that brought you through the year? The one that bumped on the way to work every morning or the one you blast in the house while getting ready to go out. 

*Play that now* (our pick is Dreamville - Under The Sun ft. J. Cole, DaBaby & Lute)

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This year was the BIG change. We all saw it coming. We all heard the prophecies, got shook, tried to ignore them and then stepped are little scary a**’ in the fire and learned to accept our blessings.  At CopyWrite that meant rearranging our priorities. This year we used skills we left back in college and stopped asking for seats at the table but just walked into rooms with our own chair, placed them on top of the table, climbed up and sat there in silence. (We are done talking, bruh).

Where growth is always the only option, 2019 was that awkward ugly stage that we had to look deep down inside ourselves to love, unconditionally. (Because “[we] woke up for some money, ayy, lil' b*tch, Too many opps in here, tell [us] who you with”). 

So in honor of the opps, here are some highlights from our 2019:

1 . First Things First, We published Issue 13: Rebellion, Issue 14: Fashion & Style, and Issue 15: Facets of Love (w/ half the staff and resources) *Flips hair*

2. We helped plan and media sponsored Riverwest FemFest 

Art by Whitney Saldago

Art by Whitney Saldago

3. We covered Summerfest (Where Carrie created our first “Big Gig” Video Recap)

4. We sponsored Music On The BLT for Hip Hop Week MKE

5. We covered Milwaukee Fashion Week (S/O to Vato being back in the Mil)

6. We dropped gems at the 'ALL I NEED IS ONE MIC' MUSIC SEMINAR

( Here are those CW submission specs, again)

7. We covered Milwaukee Film Festival & Met Hip Hop Fashion designer/influencer April Walker of Walker Wear 

April Walker & Editor-in-Chief of /CW Lexi S. Brunson

April Walker & Editor-in-Chief of /CW Lexi S. Brunson

8. We started a new partnership with Sneex & met/ interviewed the inspiring Beija Velez

(Check out more Sneex Sofa Sessions w/ our Editor-in-Chief Lexi on the mic in 2020)

Editor-in-Chief Lexi, Beija Velez, Fashion Editor Vato at Sneex Sofa Sessions

Editor-in-Chief Lexi, Beija Velez, Fashion Editor Vato at Sneex Sofa Sessions

9. We got a new “baby” boss (Valia has been to several festivals, music showcases, sat in on interviews, reviewed music, attended photoshoots, viewed exhibits at the art museum and galleries, and appeared in the magazine. She is only 6 months old!)

Boss Baby Valia at MPL Rap Battle

Boss Baby Valia at MPL Rap Battle

10. And of course we have written, reviewed and attended countless music, fashion, art, culture, and community submissions and events.

As always we want to thank you for continuing to #SupportTheLocal and remind you that without you we could not continue to do all that we do. We hope that in 2020, you will continue to share your experiences with CopyWrite and tell others about our platform and what we do!

Here's to a poppin’ 2020.

Love & All Things Urban,

Your /CW Family
















Fashion Friday: Sneex Sofa Sessions w/ Rachel Muscat (General Manager of Pharrell's HU) Recap

Where were you last Friday night?

If you’re in the loop you were at Sneex (in Milwaukee’s Third Ward) for their new conversation series SNEEX SOFA SESSIONS.

This moderated style convo session featured Rachel Muscat, General Manager of Pharrell’s Human Race, and past Global Director of Collaborations for Adidas.

As Rachel answered questions about life on the go, collaborating with Kanye and Pharrell, working as women in the corporate world and so much more, we got insight on how the sneaker world really works.

She was humble and inspiring with the stories she shared; including the small quirks that have helped her become someone who has soared in the industry. Starting her first gig interning at a church, she has leveled up becoming apart of some of the most iconic branding we have seen in the last decade. She assured the audience that even the smallest starts can become the catalyst for your next move, making all and any experience relevant. 

One thing that stood out to us was the story about her hanging out with her sisters who started a streetwear line in Australia (where she is from). She notes those moments as influential in her life. She had not realized it then, but they had been teaching her merchandising by taking her to the stores, talking about trends, color waves and the like. I believe they stirred her in the right direction. [Clearly, we are talking about her now].

Of course, there was a lot of talk about working for Adidas, Kanye and Pharell but its the reality that lives behind the glamour that we would like to share. Everyone wants the job but doesn't really understand the types of sacrifices that come with it. For instants, traveling is one of the difficulties she has had to deal with. Being away from family and friends comes with the territory. She mentioned being lucky to have a boyfriend who also has to travel a lot someone, respects her lifestyle and job, so they meet up in between work in different cities to hang out and go on dates to keep the spark together. [For the love of sneaker life! Geeezzzzzz!]. But it works for her!

She also talked self-care, “meditating”, and having a self-check (if your acting like your good that’s what everybody will think your good) because its the only way to really do your best at whatever you are passionate about. “Being your authentic self!”

Quotes we loved:

“Do you know why women rule the world? Because they can just stop having babies.” 

“Everyone is different. The table should represent that diversity.”

“Say things with confidence!” [Advise she gave about handling being the only women in male-dominated environments.”

We usually talk about fashion as something you can see, but Rachel Muscat also reminded us that its something you experience. We won’t share all the details because some times you just have to be in the room to get the goods.

See you at the next Sneex Sofa Session!

/Vato


COPYWRITE MAGAZINE OFFICIAL DROP! Issue 15: Facets of Love! Place your PRE-ORDER NOW!

Love? Yup, that’s our language.

How do “love” emotions feed into the creative world? Here we take a deep dive into self love, patterns of the platonic, #RelationshipGoals, growing/glowing in your truth, and other unconventional aspects of the famous four-letter word. Talking with local creatives in art, entrepreneurship, music, poetry and more we unfold how love in all its FACETS becomes critical in our journeys. Interviews w/  Ar Wesley, Diana Mora, Daniela Varela, Michael “CAMEONE” Cerda, Kennita Hickman, Taj Virgil, our Ex Fabula Features, “Love Yourself” Campaign & More. 

/CW

ORDER YOUR PHYSICAL COPY HERE!!!

CopyWrite Covers Milwaukee Fashion Week 2019

2019-10-11 19_34_12.852.JPG

We have been checking on the progress of MFW for the last few years, noting the good, the bad and the not so fashionable. But 2019, sheds new light on the event. Each year they have leveled up and this year we were front row for all three shows.

Lights, Camara, Action! Its time for FASHION!

Day 1: The layout was simplistic and comfortable. We even got a chance to see Jeff McAlister and Michale behind the scenes making sure the event ran smoothly. Which is important. Having real local fashion influencers be apart of the execution of a local fashion event. Level up #1.

For opening night Kennita of Catera was the host of the evening! Killing it with style and grace; of course, with an on-site stylist, yours truly CW Fashion Editor Vato Vergara. She rocked the mic all night; as she leads us in comedic relief, persona and true self cofinanced and beauty.

There was music of course. Nina Nephertity Scott blessed us with 2 songs; opening up the runway with her gorgeous voice. 

The designers and models showed out the first night for sure. These are the Designers of Day 1

  • HM Chic Vintage

  • Kaitvahera Designs

  • Amor Corleone

  • Anke Wander

  • L Berlin 

  • GG’s Collections

  • Nolan

  • Femme Alt Ego

  • Moon Baber

  • PM Designs by Pamela Marie

  • Lyn Kream Designs 




CW was excited to see; GG’s Collections and Nolan (#WeSeeYou CW Fam!)

Day 2 had a calm vibe, the host was reserved but had a way with the crowd. Keeping us all in the loop of the show. We were especially excited this day due to the amount of African American Men involved! Leveln up #2. No fingerprints started the show and I must say they set the bar for the evening. 

The designers did amazing below is the line up:

  • LIL POP

  • No Fingerprints

  • Mars + CK Clothing

  • Ana Popa

  • Therese Marie Collection

  • EP Couture

  • JMS Couture

  • Fashion Sense

  • Infrastalgia 

  • Gearhead Fashion

  • Silversark 

Our favorites from Day 2 Designers Therese Marie Collections and Fashion Sense by Jeff McAlister. 

Day 3: Hmmm…Harley Davidson. The Garage. Formal Style Fashion with an amazing venue but the set up wasn’t fashion runway ready. This could use a level up. Everyone was dressed so formally with a splash of personal touch.  That we like. Kiss FM was on the building hosting the event of the evening with sooooo much personality and jokes keeping the crowd in the loop.

Designers include:

Purdywear

  • Claudia Bonilla

  • Kelvin Haydon Designs

  • Elena Velez

  • The Mini Classy

  • Shoua Xiong

  • Shel’s Bridal

  • Build A Bow/ NL Suits

  • MJ Designs

Some of our favorite highlights of the night, shoutout to NL Suits and Bow ties.

Overall the looks were amazing !!! Definitely improved and Impressed. We like the variety, the personality and of course the Urban.

We have more to say… but we will let yall keep wondering what that is,

Vato for /CW